This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

In recent weeks, sources estimate that 200,000 people have been internally displaced by fighting between M23 rebels and the Congolese national army near Goma, eastern DRC. As of 4 December, 130,000 people remain in IDP camps in and around the city. In addition, about 47,000 people have fled towards South Kivu. For many, this is the second or third time that they have been forced to flee their homes this year due to violence. By contrast, some 20,000 people have returned from overcrowded sites in Goma to the relative calm in Rutshuru area. Despite the volatile security situation, humanitarian workers have been able to address the affected population's most urgent needs in terms of access to water, health, shelter, food and critical non-food items (NFIs). However, concerns over long-term assistance for IDPs remain, especially as the fighting continues and further displacement is likely.

Protection remains a key challenge , as reports of looting, rape, arbitrary arrests, children separated from their families or recruited into armed groups continue. On the 1st of December, non-identified gunmen violently attacked and looted the Mugunga III IDP camp near Goma, taking advantage of the security vacuum left by the M23 withdrawal. Humanitarians have called for an increase in security patrol s near camps to ensure the IDPs' safety.